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booshslashhavenTitle: Duplicity (part 6)
Rating: R for this chapter. Will be Nc-17 very shortly.
Pairing: Howard/girl!Vince. Howard/Vince
Word count: 3205
Genre: Fluffy-angsty-romance. (Is that even a genre?!)
Warnings: Sex-change fic. Het!Sex in later chapters.
Summary: Vince had never imagined Howard would fall for Vinessa so quickly. He knows he has to let him down gently, but the question is, can he actually bring himself to do it when Howard isn't the only one falling?
Disclaimer: I, of course, do not own Howard or Vince. And I think that we can all agree that that is probably for the best. In no way is any of this true; it's all just a figment of my sordid imagination. No harm meant and no money is being made.
Author Notes: Once again, for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
bookends999
Finally, we're back on track! Sorry for the delay; I've been ridiculously busy, and have had technical problems and had to re-write this chapter.
Comments and cc always welcome!
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
The carriage was gathering speed.
Vince was falling for Howard.
He’d never have believed it before all this, but Howard, awkward, oftentimes arrogant, oblivious and bumbling Howard could be so different when all his defences crumbled. He was still awkward, and bumbling at times, but endearing and charming with it. And beneath the arrogant and seemingly self-obsessed exterior was hidden a shy side, and a caring nature. Vince wondered how he’d managed to miss it for all these years.
Maybe it was because he was so different himself as Vinessa, he thought; he actually listened to Howard when he talked instead of instantly mocking him and was surprised by how much he found himself interested in what Howard had to say. He stood back and let Howard lead instead of trying to take control all the time and demanding his own way. He still joked with Howard but there was no malice in it, no venom behind his words, and Howard responded in kind. It was fun.
It was also sad though - bittersweet - that he’d gotten so much closer to Howard in the last month of leading this double life of his than he had been in years of friendship as just Vince.
A month.
A whole month it had been going on now - Vince by day and Vinessa by night, and all the deceit and sneaking around that went with it. It was getting harder and harder to lie to Howard and cover his tracks.
It wasn’t as if he hadn’t tried - or at least he’d tried to try to end it. But every time he’d even thought about breaking it off his chest had tightened and his stomach had dropped away at the thought of losing this closeness the two of them now had. Even if it was based on a lie. And his heart had hammered in his chest until the blood running thick in his ears had drowned out every other sound. Including that of the constant little voice niggling at the back of his mind that was saying that this was wrong and that there was no other way it could end but in disaster. There was something else that was bothering him, too, he’d barely even noticed at first, because the difference was so minute, but as time wore on he’d found it was taking longer and longer to change back - the last time he’d spent eighteen hours as a woman instead of, as the spell said, twelve. He didn’t know what it meant - or if it was something he should be worried about - because nothing bad ever happened to him, but there was a first time for everything. He didn’t know what to do - he’d thought about asking Naboo for help but that meant admitting what he’d done, what he was still doing.
Everything was telling him to stop this, but he just couldn’t resist. As much as he knew that little voice was right, that what he was doing was not only wrong but potentially dangerous.
But still, every time Howard had asked him on another date he’d found himself caught in the lock of chocolate brown eyes, unable to look away and even less capable of saying no.
Vince had never had anything like this before - this slow, thorough and careful courtship. It had always been quick fucks in the bathroom and sloppy kisses. Or sneaking out of a strangers bed in the early hours of the morning before the sun had even come up because it saved them both the embarrassment of not remembering names. But this, this was different. It was sweet and thoughtful and loving and just the thought of it made Vince’s stomach twist with giddying happiness, and then guilt that made him feel sick.
They’d walked in the park together, sheltering from the sun under the shade of the old Oak tree as they watched, with only vague awareness, the other people as they wandered past. They’d bought ice cream and lollies and Howard had blushed and looked away as Vince has licked the cool, dripping vanilla ice from Howard’s chocolate flake.
They’d gone to the cinema and shared pop corn in the back row, barely concentrating on the film as they shared shy half-glances as their fingers bumped. Howard had yawned and snaked a tentative arm around Vince’s back in such a clichéd, but cutely obvious gesture that Vince had laughed in benevolent humour as he’d snuggled closer. They’d kissed in the dark, quiet and slow, tongues hot and lips tingling, the light from the long forgotten film playing softly across their features.
They’d sat in the pub, drinking and laughing and talking until the early hours of the morning, walking home arm in arm as the sun came up.
Howard had even taken Vince to an art exhibition and Vince had listened in mild amusement as Howard had rambled about Titian and Botticelli and Donatello and something about the other turtles, too. Maybe. Then Vince had got lost amongst the surrealists and the pop artists and Magritte and Lichtenstein and Kooning and had raved about the colours and the textures and the life in their paintings. And Howard had followed and listened and Vince had been surprised by how impressed he’d seemed. And by how pleased that had made him.
They’d cuddled on the sofa together, Vince eating sweets as they’d half-watched documentaries and old movies and eighties cartoons. Howard had looked with barely concealed bemusement as Vince had offered him a Neptune fizz. He’d opened his mouth though, as Vince had pressed it to his lips and Vince had smirked as Howard’s eyes widened in surprise.
They’d kissed for hours as they sat together - only their lips linking them, slow and tender and sweet; Vince’s fingertips itching with the need to stroke, touch and ground himself on Howard as he lost himself in the feel of his lips, the heat of his mouth and the taste of his tongue.
They’d touched - shy and tentative and careful brushes of trembling fingers over warm, soft skin at first, growing bolder as they moved on. The last time, Howard had been the initiator, stroking his palm up Vince’s arm to his shoulder, pausing for just a second before he’d continued, down over Vince’s chest and the curve of his breast. Vince had felt his skin flush and his stomach swirl with heat and had relaxed into the caress. And then an alien aching, and stickiness had settled between his legs and he’d once more been reminded of who he was and what he was doing. Swallowing thickly he’d gently removed Howard’s hand and Howard had bit his lip and looked away, apologising softly. Cupping Howard’s jaw, Vince had moved closer, once more bringing their mouths close together as he’d said, “It’s okay,” his lips slowly kissing along the stubble of Howard’s jaw. Howard had moaned softly as Vince licked at his lips, not kissing, just teasing lightly and the sound had travelled straight to Vince’s gut. There’d been nothing more important in that moment but hearing more of those noises spill from Howard’s lips; being the one to make him moan like that and gasp with pleasure. Stomach swirling anxiously, Vince had slowly trailed his hand down Howard’s chest, walking his fingers over his sides, his stomach, down to the front of his trousers. Howard had gasped and looked at Vince with barely concealed surprise and hope and Vince felt his chest clench as he pulled down the zip. Slowly he pressed his fingers through the gap, sliding them over Howard’s quickly forming hardness, only the soft, thin cotton of his boxers a barrier between him and the warm, hard flesh beneath. He’d taken his time, rubbing and caressing and squeezing Howard’s length until Howard had gasped and bucked up involuntarily and pleaded softly with Vince for more. Vince had given it to him, sliding Howard’s boxers out the way and wrapping his fist around the smooth, sensitive flesh below. Howard had gasped and squeezed his eyes shut, his chest rising and falling rapidly with every breath. Vince had prolonged it, moving slowly, drawing it out and watching with rapt interest as the pleasure played its way across Howard’s face, until he’d come, head thrown back, lips parted and wet and back arched as warm, sticky release spilt over Vince’s hand.
“Thank you,” Howard had whispered once he’d regained his breath, turning sated, glassy eyes to Vince. Vince had swallowed and forced a smile, thinking how very beautiful Howard had looked in the moment of orgasm, and how amazing he looked right then - satisfied and relaxed. Howard had smiled back and drawn Vince closer, wrapping his arms around him as Vince laid his head on Howard’s chest, listening to his heart beat as it gradually slowed. After a few moments, Howard had pulled back, running his fingers along Vince’s cheek to brush the hair back from his face. “What about you?” he’d asked, softly, shyly, and Vince had shaken his head.
“It’s okay,” he’d whispered.
“But I want to …”
“Seriously,” Vince had smiled, taking Howard’s hand and kissing the palm, “I’m okay. We have - plenty of time to do stuff like that,” he’d said, swallowing as he’d buried his head in the crook of Howard’s neck, inhaling slowly and deeply and wishing more than anything else in the world that what he said was true.
Howard had been so kind, so considerate and caring that it made Vince’s chest ache every time he had to leave. But he always had to. Because none of this was real and none of it could last. No matter how much he wanted it to.
It was like living in a house made of cards and he was just waiting for it to all come crashing down on him.
*****
“I’m worried about Vince,” Howard said, fiddling with the straw in his coke idly. Vince looked up, shifting awkwardly in his seat and picking at the denim of his skirt idly, not meeting Howard’s eye. They were sat on the sofa, Vince - Vinessa - cuddled up at one side, Howard stretched out on the other. They’d just got back from a meal out at a Chinese down the road on yet another date that Vince had been unable to say no to. Howard had been quiet and almost withdrawn throughout though, and Vince had tried to find out what was bothering him to no avail. Now though, it seemed he was ready to talk, only it hadn’t been what Vince had expected it to be.
“How come?” Vince asked finally, feeling even more of a fraud as Howard looked around at him. He watched as Howard set down his drink and sighed, shifting around on the sofa to face him.
“He’s been even more distant than usual these last few weeks. When he’s about, he actually seems like he’s trying to be nicer. But, he’s always off out places, stopping away all night and then coming back late the next day. It’s not like him to be gone as much as he is at the moment. And I’d - I was hoping you two could meet. I mean, I know you already know each other, but I’d like to introduce you to him, as my girlfriend that is, properly.”
Vince felt his stomach twist, at both Howard’s concern and at his last sentence. He shifted again, worrying his lip between his teeth and fiddling with a loose strand of his hair. “Is that what I am?” he asked finally. “Your girlfriend?”
“Oh,” Howard said, “I mean, um. It was rather presumptuous of me, but - yes.” He clears his throat. “Yes, if you’d like that then I - yes. I’d like that, too.”
Vince swallowed hard and looked down, blinking a couple of times. When he looked back up Howard was smiling at him nervously - a tiny half-smile that made Vince’s stomach twist. He shifted again, moving silently across the sofa towards Howard and Howard opened his arms, letting Vince settle in tightly against his side. “Yeah,” he whispered, almost to himself, but Howard must have heard because he squeezed his waist a little. “Yeah, I’d really like that.” Closing his eyes, Vince let his head rest on Howard’s shoulder as he tried hard not to think about how much he really did want that.
They sat like that for sometime, Vince comfortably nestled against Howard and Howard holding him gently, protectively. Some old seventies cop show was playing on the television now, not that either of them were paying attention to it. Howard’s hand had settled in Vince’s hair now, and he was lightly playing with the loose strands, running his fingers through it in a calming, rhythmical way that made Vince sigh in wistful contentment and close his eyes and sag softly against Howard.
“Has he said anything to you?” Howard asked finally, his hand pausing in its actions. Vince bit his lip, his hand that had been resting comfortably on Howard’s chest twisting now to fiddle with Howard’s top button.
“Vince? What about?”
“Oh, um, nothing in particular, just anything that’s bothering him. I mean, is it me and you? Because if he’s jealous …”
“What if he was?” Vince asked, his pulse rising.
“Well,” Howard said, sighing, “he doesn’t need to be, you know. I mean, he always has hundreds of men and women falling at his feet anyway. Why does he have to be jealous just because I’ve found somebody?”
“I don’t think …” Vince said, shaking his head and sighing. “What if it’s not that that’s making him jealous - what if it’s I don’t know - what if he was worried because you’re spending all your time with me?”
“Oh. But - it’s not as if this is going to change things between me and him. What we have - Vince and I - it’s different, special I guess. We‘re best friends, he knows that.”
Vince blinked and nodded slowly, his cheek brushing the crumpled fabric of Howard’s shirt. “Maybe,” he said quietly, swallowing past the lump in his throat. “But - maybe he’d like to hear that from you.”
“You think so?” Howard asked, his hand moving again, fingers combing through Vince’s hair.
“Yeah,” Vince said softly, “I really do.”
Howard dropped his hand to the back of Vince’s neck, rubbing at his nape softly, moving then to cup Vince’s chin to lift his head up. Vince blinked slowly under Howard’s quietly intense gaze and then swallowed as Howard’s thumb brushed the edge of his lips.
“You, um, you had a smudge of lip gloss there,” Howard said as Vince smiled softly. Vince nodded, tilting his head into Howard’s palm as it stroked down his cheek. His hand on Howard’s chest had splayed again, slipping down slightly as Howard sat up and turned around. “He’s not here at the moment, though is he,” he said, his hand slipping to the back of Vince’s head.
Vince shook his head and forced a grin. “No,” he said, swallowing thickly, “he’s not.”
Vince was caught, as he always was, as Howard leaned in closer. “It just you and me,” he whispered, breath ghosting faintly across Vince’s lips, “and we’re, we’re okay, aren’t we?”
“Yes,” Vince replied just as softly. He shivered as Howard’s thumb brushed over the curve of his ear, his eyes falling closed as he bridged the miniscule gap between their mouths and joined them, his lips brushing over Howard’s softly. Howard’s free hand fell to Vince’s hip as they kissed, soft tingles spreading up and down Vince’s spine as their lips moved together, soft and slightly dry at first, then deepening as Vince sighed and opened his mouth, inviting Howard’s tongue forward. Howard obliged, slipping it into Vince’s mouth and Vince closed his lips around it, sucking gently before he gasped as Howard’s hand slipped to the small of his back, dipping beneath the fabric of his skinny top to touch the warm skin beneath. Vince shivered, losing the rhythm of the kiss and allowing Howard to dictate it completely - sagging forward and down, his hands clutching Howard’s shoulders for support as he slowly let himself go. Kissing Howard was like nothing he’d ever experienced before - Howard was gentle and timid at first, but quick to learn, easily picking up on the best techniques to leave Vince breathless and gasping and eager for more. This time though, there was something else - the tenderness and depth and sheer desire in Howard’s kiss was enough to make Vince’s chest tight and his stomach swirl and his spine tingle with heat and lust. Slowly, he pulled away, lips still parted and slicked with saliva as he stared up at Howard.
“You’re so perfect,” Howard whispered, voice soft but heavy with reverence and awe. “Your eyes are beautiful.”
Vince’s heart jumped - his eyes were the one thing that were the same; the same deep sapphire. He worried his lip as Howard stared at him.
“I want,” Vince whispered finally, swallowing and inhaling slowly, “I want - will you take me to bed with you, please. Properly this time?” His heart was thudding in his chest now - he knew this was wrong but he couldn’t help himself. All he cared about right then was how much he wanted - needed - Howard in that moment.
Howard pulled away, his eyes widening. “Isn’t it … I mean, isn’t it a bit too soon? I thought you wanted to take things slowly?”
“I’m sick of taking things slowly, Howard,” Vince whispered, voice choking up slightly. “Who knows what might happen tomorrow? I just - please.”
Vince watched as Howard took a deep breath, Howard’s fingers clenching in his lap nervously now. “I don’t know, Vinessa. I mean,” he sighed, “I’m not very experienced in all this….”
“I don’t care,” Vince whispered, stomach clenching as he slipped slowly to his feet. What he’d said before, he knew it was true - who knew what might happen tomorrow or the next day? He knew this couldn’t last, he just wanted as much of Howard as he could get. For as little a time as that may be. It was better than nothing. “I want you to have me, please.” He reached forward, taking Howard’s hand and pulling him to his feet to stand in front of Vince. Howard looked nervous, unsure as he stood there, and Vince slipped a hand to his cheek, stroking the stubble-dashed skin with the pads of his fingers gently.
“I don’t want to disappoint you,” Howard whispered, and Vince shook his head.
“You won’t, I promise. Please?” Vince watched, his pulse thudding in his throat, as Howard looked away and swallowed nervously. Then he heard Howard sigh softly and watched as he turned back to face him. Slowly, Howard nodded, slipping his hand over Vince’s and pulling it away from his face gently. Without a word Howard grasped Vince’s hand and turned around, Vince’s stomach fizzing with nerves and anticipation, following Howard as he led the way through to his bedroom.
Rating: R for this chapter. Will be Nc-17 very shortly.
Pairing: Howard/girl!Vince. Howard/Vince
Word count: 3205
Genre: Fluffy-angsty-romance. (Is that even a genre?!)
Warnings: Sex-change fic. Het!Sex in later chapters.
Summary: Vince had never imagined Howard would fall for Vinessa so quickly. He knows he has to let him down gently, but the question is, can he actually bring himself to do it when Howard isn't the only one falling?
Disclaimer: I, of course, do not own Howard or Vince. And I think that we can all agree that that is probably for the best. In no way is any of this true; it's all just a figment of my sordid imagination. No harm meant and no money is being made.
Author Notes: Once again, for
bookends999 Finally, we're back on track! Sorry for the delay; I've been ridiculously busy, and have had technical problems and had to re-write this chapter.
Comments and cc always welcome!
One, Two, Three, Four, Five
The carriage was gathering speed.
Vince was falling for Howard.
He’d never have believed it before all this, but Howard, awkward, oftentimes arrogant, oblivious and bumbling Howard could be so different when all his defences crumbled. He was still awkward, and bumbling at times, but endearing and charming with it. And beneath the arrogant and seemingly self-obsessed exterior was hidden a shy side, and a caring nature. Vince wondered how he’d managed to miss it for all these years.
Maybe it was because he was so different himself as Vinessa, he thought; he actually listened to Howard when he talked instead of instantly mocking him and was surprised by how much he found himself interested in what Howard had to say. He stood back and let Howard lead instead of trying to take control all the time and demanding his own way. He still joked with Howard but there was no malice in it, no venom behind his words, and Howard responded in kind. It was fun.
It was also sad though - bittersweet - that he’d gotten so much closer to Howard in the last month of leading this double life of his than he had been in years of friendship as just Vince.
A month.
A whole month it had been going on now - Vince by day and Vinessa by night, and all the deceit and sneaking around that went with it. It was getting harder and harder to lie to Howard and cover his tracks.
It wasn’t as if he hadn’t tried - or at least he’d tried to try to end it. But every time he’d even thought about breaking it off his chest had tightened and his stomach had dropped away at the thought of losing this closeness the two of them now had. Even if it was based on a lie. And his heart had hammered in his chest until the blood running thick in his ears had drowned out every other sound. Including that of the constant little voice niggling at the back of his mind that was saying that this was wrong and that there was no other way it could end but in disaster. There was something else that was bothering him, too, he’d barely even noticed at first, because the difference was so minute, but as time wore on he’d found it was taking longer and longer to change back - the last time he’d spent eighteen hours as a woman instead of, as the spell said, twelve. He didn’t know what it meant - or if it was something he should be worried about - because nothing bad ever happened to him, but there was a first time for everything. He didn’t know what to do - he’d thought about asking Naboo for help but that meant admitting what he’d done, what he was still doing.
Everything was telling him to stop this, but he just couldn’t resist. As much as he knew that little voice was right, that what he was doing was not only wrong but potentially dangerous.
But still, every time Howard had asked him on another date he’d found himself caught in the lock of chocolate brown eyes, unable to look away and even less capable of saying no.
Vince had never had anything like this before - this slow, thorough and careful courtship. It had always been quick fucks in the bathroom and sloppy kisses. Or sneaking out of a strangers bed in the early hours of the morning before the sun had even come up because it saved them both the embarrassment of not remembering names. But this, this was different. It was sweet and thoughtful and loving and just the thought of it made Vince’s stomach twist with giddying happiness, and then guilt that made him feel sick.
They’d walked in the park together, sheltering from the sun under the shade of the old Oak tree as they watched, with only vague awareness, the other people as they wandered past. They’d bought ice cream and lollies and Howard had blushed and looked away as Vince has licked the cool, dripping vanilla ice from Howard’s chocolate flake.
They’d gone to the cinema and shared pop corn in the back row, barely concentrating on the film as they shared shy half-glances as their fingers bumped. Howard had yawned and snaked a tentative arm around Vince’s back in such a clichéd, but cutely obvious gesture that Vince had laughed in benevolent humour as he’d snuggled closer. They’d kissed in the dark, quiet and slow, tongues hot and lips tingling, the light from the long forgotten film playing softly across their features.
They’d sat in the pub, drinking and laughing and talking until the early hours of the morning, walking home arm in arm as the sun came up.
Howard had even taken Vince to an art exhibition and Vince had listened in mild amusement as Howard had rambled about Titian and Botticelli and Donatello and something about the other turtles, too. Maybe. Then Vince had got lost amongst the surrealists and the pop artists and Magritte and Lichtenstein and Kooning and had raved about the colours and the textures and the life in their paintings. And Howard had followed and listened and Vince had been surprised by how impressed he’d seemed. And by how pleased that had made him.
They’d cuddled on the sofa together, Vince eating sweets as they’d half-watched documentaries and old movies and eighties cartoons. Howard had looked with barely concealed bemusement as Vince had offered him a Neptune fizz. He’d opened his mouth though, as Vince had pressed it to his lips and Vince had smirked as Howard’s eyes widened in surprise.
They’d kissed for hours as they sat together - only their lips linking them, slow and tender and sweet; Vince’s fingertips itching with the need to stroke, touch and ground himself on Howard as he lost himself in the feel of his lips, the heat of his mouth and the taste of his tongue.
They’d touched - shy and tentative and careful brushes of trembling fingers over warm, soft skin at first, growing bolder as they moved on. The last time, Howard had been the initiator, stroking his palm up Vince’s arm to his shoulder, pausing for just a second before he’d continued, down over Vince’s chest and the curve of his breast. Vince had felt his skin flush and his stomach swirl with heat and had relaxed into the caress. And then an alien aching, and stickiness had settled between his legs and he’d once more been reminded of who he was and what he was doing. Swallowing thickly he’d gently removed Howard’s hand and Howard had bit his lip and looked away, apologising softly. Cupping Howard’s jaw, Vince had moved closer, once more bringing their mouths close together as he’d said, “It’s okay,” his lips slowly kissing along the stubble of Howard’s jaw. Howard had moaned softly as Vince licked at his lips, not kissing, just teasing lightly and the sound had travelled straight to Vince’s gut. There’d been nothing more important in that moment but hearing more of those noises spill from Howard’s lips; being the one to make him moan like that and gasp with pleasure. Stomach swirling anxiously, Vince had slowly trailed his hand down Howard’s chest, walking his fingers over his sides, his stomach, down to the front of his trousers. Howard had gasped and looked at Vince with barely concealed surprise and hope and Vince felt his chest clench as he pulled down the zip. Slowly he pressed his fingers through the gap, sliding them over Howard’s quickly forming hardness, only the soft, thin cotton of his boxers a barrier between him and the warm, hard flesh beneath. He’d taken his time, rubbing and caressing and squeezing Howard’s length until Howard had gasped and bucked up involuntarily and pleaded softly with Vince for more. Vince had given it to him, sliding Howard’s boxers out the way and wrapping his fist around the smooth, sensitive flesh below. Howard had gasped and squeezed his eyes shut, his chest rising and falling rapidly with every breath. Vince had prolonged it, moving slowly, drawing it out and watching with rapt interest as the pleasure played its way across Howard’s face, until he’d come, head thrown back, lips parted and wet and back arched as warm, sticky release spilt over Vince’s hand.
“Thank you,” Howard had whispered once he’d regained his breath, turning sated, glassy eyes to Vince. Vince had swallowed and forced a smile, thinking how very beautiful Howard had looked in the moment of orgasm, and how amazing he looked right then - satisfied and relaxed. Howard had smiled back and drawn Vince closer, wrapping his arms around him as Vince laid his head on Howard’s chest, listening to his heart beat as it gradually slowed. After a few moments, Howard had pulled back, running his fingers along Vince’s cheek to brush the hair back from his face. “What about you?” he’d asked, softly, shyly, and Vince had shaken his head.
“It’s okay,” he’d whispered.
“But I want to …”
“Seriously,” Vince had smiled, taking Howard’s hand and kissing the palm, “I’m okay. We have - plenty of time to do stuff like that,” he’d said, swallowing as he’d buried his head in the crook of Howard’s neck, inhaling slowly and deeply and wishing more than anything else in the world that what he said was true.
Howard had been so kind, so considerate and caring that it made Vince’s chest ache every time he had to leave. But he always had to. Because none of this was real and none of it could last. No matter how much he wanted it to.
It was like living in a house made of cards and he was just waiting for it to all come crashing down on him.
“I’m worried about Vince,” Howard said, fiddling with the straw in his coke idly. Vince looked up, shifting awkwardly in his seat and picking at the denim of his skirt idly, not meeting Howard’s eye. They were sat on the sofa, Vince - Vinessa - cuddled up at one side, Howard stretched out on the other. They’d just got back from a meal out at a Chinese down the road on yet another date that Vince had been unable to say no to. Howard had been quiet and almost withdrawn throughout though, and Vince had tried to find out what was bothering him to no avail. Now though, it seemed he was ready to talk, only it hadn’t been what Vince had expected it to be.
“How come?” Vince asked finally, feeling even more of a fraud as Howard looked around at him. He watched as Howard set down his drink and sighed, shifting around on the sofa to face him.
“He’s been even more distant than usual these last few weeks. When he’s about, he actually seems like he’s trying to be nicer. But, he’s always off out places, stopping away all night and then coming back late the next day. It’s not like him to be gone as much as he is at the moment. And I’d - I was hoping you two could meet. I mean, I know you already know each other, but I’d like to introduce you to him, as my girlfriend that is, properly.”
Vince felt his stomach twist, at both Howard’s concern and at his last sentence. He shifted again, worrying his lip between his teeth and fiddling with a loose strand of his hair. “Is that what I am?” he asked finally. “Your girlfriend?”
“Oh,” Howard said, “I mean, um. It was rather presumptuous of me, but - yes.” He clears his throat. “Yes, if you’d like that then I - yes. I’d like that, too.”
Vince swallowed hard and looked down, blinking a couple of times. When he looked back up Howard was smiling at him nervously - a tiny half-smile that made Vince’s stomach twist. He shifted again, moving silently across the sofa towards Howard and Howard opened his arms, letting Vince settle in tightly against his side. “Yeah,” he whispered, almost to himself, but Howard must have heard because he squeezed his waist a little. “Yeah, I’d really like that.” Closing his eyes, Vince let his head rest on Howard’s shoulder as he tried hard not to think about how much he really did want that.
They sat like that for sometime, Vince comfortably nestled against Howard and Howard holding him gently, protectively. Some old seventies cop show was playing on the television now, not that either of them were paying attention to it. Howard’s hand had settled in Vince’s hair now, and he was lightly playing with the loose strands, running his fingers through it in a calming, rhythmical way that made Vince sigh in wistful contentment and close his eyes and sag softly against Howard.
“Has he said anything to you?” Howard asked finally, his hand pausing in its actions. Vince bit his lip, his hand that had been resting comfortably on Howard’s chest twisting now to fiddle with Howard’s top button.
“Vince? What about?”
“Oh, um, nothing in particular, just anything that’s bothering him. I mean, is it me and you? Because if he’s jealous …”
“What if he was?” Vince asked, his pulse rising.
“Well,” Howard said, sighing, “he doesn’t need to be, you know. I mean, he always has hundreds of men and women falling at his feet anyway. Why does he have to be jealous just because I’ve found somebody?”
“I don’t think …” Vince said, shaking his head and sighing. “What if it’s not that that’s making him jealous - what if it’s I don’t know - what if he was worried because you’re spending all your time with me?”
“Oh. But - it’s not as if this is going to change things between me and him. What we have - Vince and I - it’s different, special I guess. We‘re best friends, he knows that.”
Vince blinked and nodded slowly, his cheek brushing the crumpled fabric of Howard’s shirt. “Maybe,” he said quietly, swallowing past the lump in his throat. “But - maybe he’d like to hear that from you.”
“You think so?” Howard asked, his hand moving again, fingers combing through Vince’s hair.
“Yeah,” Vince said softly, “I really do.”
Howard dropped his hand to the back of Vince’s neck, rubbing at his nape softly, moving then to cup Vince’s chin to lift his head up. Vince blinked slowly under Howard’s quietly intense gaze and then swallowed as Howard’s thumb brushed the edge of his lips.
“You, um, you had a smudge of lip gloss there,” Howard said as Vince smiled softly. Vince nodded, tilting his head into Howard’s palm as it stroked down his cheek. His hand on Howard’s chest had splayed again, slipping down slightly as Howard sat up and turned around. “He’s not here at the moment, though is he,” he said, his hand slipping to the back of Vince’s head.
Vince shook his head and forced a grin. “No,” he said, swallowing thickly, “he’s not.”
Vince was caught, as he always was, as Howard leaned in closer. “It just you and me,” he whispered, breath ghosting faintly across Vince’s lips, “and we’re, we’re okay, aren’t we?”
“Yes,” Vince replied just as softly. He shivered as Howard’s thumb brushed over the curve of his ear, his eyes falling closed as he bridged the miniscule gap between their mouths and joined them, his lips brushing over Howard’s softly. Howard’s free hand fell to Vince’s hip as they kissed, soft tingles spreading up and down Vince’s spine as their lips moved together, soft and slightly dry at first, then deepening as Vince sighed and opened his mouth, inviting Howard’s tongue forward. Howard obliged, slipping it into Vince’s mouth and Vince closed his lips around it, sucking gently before he gasped as Howard’s hand slipped to the small of his back, dipping beneath the fabric of his skinny top to touch the warm skin beneath. Vince shivered, losing the rhythm of the kiss and allowing Howard to dictate it completely - sagging forward and down, his hands clutching Howard’s shoulders for support as he slowly let himself go. Kissing Howard was like nothing he’d ever experienced before - Howard was gentle and timid at first, but quick to learn, easily picking up on the best techniques to leave Vince breathless and gasping and eager for more. This time though, there was something else - the tenderness and depth and sheer desire in Howard’s kiss was enough to make Vince’s chest tight and his stomach swirl and his spine tingle with heat and lust. Slowly, he pulled away, lips still parted and slicked with saliva as he stared up at Howard.
“You’re so perfect,” Howard whispered, voice soft but heavy with reverence and awe. “Your eyes are beautiful.”
Vince’s heart jumped - his eyes were the one thing that were the same; the same deep sapphire. He worried his lip as Howard stared at him.
“I want,” Vince whispered finally, swallowing and inhaling slowly, “I want - will you take me to bed with you, please. Properly this time?” His heart was thudding in his chest now - he knew this was wrong but he couldn’t help himself. All he cared about right then was how much he wanted - needed - Howard in that moment.
Howard pulled away, his eyes widening. “Isn’t it … I mean, isn’t it a bit too soon? I thought you wanted to take things slowly?”
“I’m sick of taking things slowly, Howard,” Vince whispered, voice choking up slightly. “Who knows what might happen tomorrow? I just - please.”
Vince watched as Howard took a deep breath, Howard’s fingers clenching in his lap nervously now. “I don’t know, Vinessa. I mean,” he sighed, “I’m not very experienced in all this….”
“I don’t care,” Vince whispered, stomach clenching as he slipped slowly to his feet. What he’d said before, he knew it was true - who knew what might happen tomorrow or the next day? He knew this couldn’t last, he just wanted as much of Howard as he could get. For as little a time as that may be. It was better than nothing. “I want you to have me, please.” He reached forward, taking Howard’s hand and pulling him to his feet to stand in front of Vince. Howard looked nervous, unsure as he stood there, and Vince slipped a hand to his cheek, stroking the stubble-dashed skin with the pads of his fingers gently.
“I don’t want to disappoint you,” Howard whispered, and Vince shook his head.
“You won’t, I promise. Please?” Vince watched, his pulse thudding in his throat, as Howard looked away and swallowed nervously. Then he heard Howard sigh softly and watched as he turned back to face him. Slowly, Howard nodded, slipping his hand over Vince’s and pulling it away from his face gently. Without a word Howard grasped Vince’s hand and turned around, Vince’s stomach fizzing with nerves and anticipation, following Howard as he led the way through to his bedroom.
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Date: 2009-06-02 04:25 pm (UTC)And hot.But it's also all so complicated it's making my head spin.Don't leave us waiting too long, I love this story.
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Date: 2009-06-02 04:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2009-06-02 05:07 pm (UTC)I've been thinking and thinking and I can't figure out how it'll go to become Howard/Vince but I trust that you have a master plan. This is sheer
liquidwritten wonderment!no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 07:03 pm (UTC)Yes, I have a plan - a more detailed one than I usually do actually, because this is a more complicated plot, lol. It has developed somewhat, as my plots tend to do - there's going to be a sequel to this now. That's where the majority of the Howard/Vince stuff will be, but yes, there will be some in this part, too!
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Date: 2009-06-02 05:11 pm (UTC)OOoooh I have a horrible feeling Vince is gonna be stuck as a woman. Eeep! But then him and Howard are so cute together. But it's wrong because it's a lie. Argh, it's so conflicting!
But also gorgeous and hot. LOVE IT.
xxxxxxxxxxx
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:05 pm (UTC)<3
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Date: 2009-06-02 05:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 07:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 05:51 pm (UTC)I'm getting way too involved with this story, you know, missus. It is terribly captivating.
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:10 pm (UTC)Aw, I love it when readers get involved! It makes me very happy :D Glad you're enjoying it and thank you! <3
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Date: 2009-06-02 05:52 pm (UTC)Can't wait for the rest.
Seriously though, very intense and dreamlike - extremely atmospheric. The tension is unbearable!
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:13 pm (UTC)Glad you're enjoying it! Hopefully you won't have to wait as long for the next part! :P
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Date: 2009-06-02 06:08 pm (UTC)lol
I love this. A really selfish part of me never wants it to end. But I really must see if Vince/Vinessa ever lets slip his/her little secret. (That is, after I read the hot sex part next chapter. lol)
♥
Li
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:29 pm (UTC)Oh god, don't mention the next chapter! I've got it all planned out but I just need to write it. Eek, het!sex. It'll be my first time writing it! I shall tackle it tomorrow, lol.
Thanks, love! <3
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Date: 2009-06-02 06:14 pm (UTC)Im really excited for the next part !!!! :D
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:30 pm (UTC)Glad you're enjoying it so much. More soon! x
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Date: 2009-06-02 06:45 pm (UTC)Also, I loved the use of the carriage line at the top for this chapter.
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:32 pm (UTC)Glad you're enjoying it! And really pleased you picked out that line - there wasn't supposed to have been such a gap between this chapter and the last, and I was a bit worried people might not get the reference.
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:20 pm (UTC)And, god damn, how cute is Howard in this? *melts*
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:35 pm (UTC)Thanks, love! xxx
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:36 pm (UTC)Thanks, love.
I don't want to, but there are angsty times ahead, yes.... *bites nails* It'll all work out in the end though - I promise!
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:47 pm (UTC)Howard thinks Vinessa's/Vince's eyes are beautiful... Guh, my heart can't handle how lovely that bit was.
Looking forward to more!
x.X.x
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Date: 2009-06-02 08:10 pm (UTC)That bit was a late addition actually - in the rewrite of this chapter, so I'm glad you liked it!
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Date: 2009-06-02 07:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 08:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 07:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 08:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-02 08:00 pm (UTC)It's so good, but it's making me nervous. Howard liking Vinessa, but Vinessa actually being Vince and Vince liking Howard... I can almost touch the angst. As long as it works out in the end (you promise, yes?) :D
Seriously though, I'm loving this so much xx
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Date: 2009-06-02 08:15 pm (UTC)Thank you, love! <3
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Date: 2009-06-02 08:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-03 10:40 am (UTC)Thank you! Glad youre enjoying it. :D
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Date: 2009-06-02 09:41 pm (UTC)Everything is so complex- kinda like a love triangle (is that possible with two people?) lol
Beautiful, beautiful writing so touching and loving! ^.^
Can't wait for more! =]
xxx
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Date: 2009-06-03 07:37 am (UTC)...
Yeah, I just wanted to use the word 'oblong'.
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Date: 2009-06-02 09:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-03 10:46 am (UTC)Thanks, love! Yeah - it's coming (um, yeah - maybe not the best choice of words considering the next chapter! :P).
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Date: 2009-06-02 10:32 pm (UTC)In the nicest way possible. I would of course provide you with tea and biscuits
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Date: 2009-06-03 10:47 am (UTC)Cheers, love! Glad you're enjoying it! :)
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Date: 2009-06-03 12:03 am (UTC)Can't wait for the next bit!
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Date: 2009-06-03 10:47 am (UTC)<3
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Date: 2009-06-03 04:27 am (UTC)*flails*
plsdon'tletVincebreakHoward'sheartplsdon'tletVincebreakHoward'sheartplsdon'tletVince
breakHoward'sheartplsdon'tletVincebreakHoward'sheartplsdon'tletVincebreakHoward's
heartplsdon'tletVincebreakHoward'sheartplsdon'tletVincebreakHoward'sheart
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Date: 2009-06-03 10:48 am (UTC)Thank you!
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Date: 2009-06-03 04:52 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-03 10:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-03 07:36 am (UTC)By the way, your writing is beautiful.
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Date: 2009-06-03 10:49 am (UTC)Thank you so much! xx
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Date: 2009-06-03 08:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-06-03 10:50 am (UTC)Thank you!
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Date: 2009-06-03 09:00 am (UTC)Oh you continue to pull at me every which way! I'm on the edge of my seat, poor little Vincie, I'm waiting for it all to come crashing down on him. But then again, so is he! poor oblivious Howard!
*flails*
I can't wait for more!
I LOVED the bit with the art! Vince is such a surrealist/pop art bitch. I want to melt at the image of Howard tailing after him, smiling, bemused, Vince running back to drag him off to look at something else... XD XD XD
Oh how this pairing does things to me.
spotted a couple of errors: "every time Howard has asked him on another date ..." has? tense error? It feels wrong, but I might be wrong. And you called Vinessa, Vanessa somewhere... "They were sat on the sofa, Vince - Vanessa - cuddled up at one side," there, :D Shhhh!
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Date: 2009-06-03 10:55 am (UTC)I'm so overwhelmed at the response to this story - but this chapter! Eek, lol. Pressure for the next bits.... But it's a good pressure! :)
Glad you're enjoying it! I got those artists from an interview with Noel actually, about the art exhibition he had a while back. But yeah - I think Vince would be drawn to the colours and textures of surrealism, and he'd love pop art! lol
Cheers, love! Yeah, that should be had. And I need to add Vinessa to my dictionary, works keeps trying to change it, lol. Obviously missed that one! Thanks, again! Will edit now :D
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